DREAMGIRLS REUNION: Something Special for Divas Simply Singing

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

There's no telling how Sheryl Lee Ralph continues to razzle and dazzle the masses with her everlasting essence.

But the original 'Dreamgirls' diva does.

For her 17th annual 'Divas Simply Singing' AIDS benefit, the Waterbury, Connecticut-reared Jamerican entertainment veteran is planning to pull out all the stops at Los Angeles' Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Oct. 6.

The BV Newswire has learned that this year's line-up will include performances by eight-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole, Queen of Inspirational Soul Ann Nesby, 'American Idol' finalists Paris Bennett and LaKeisha Jones, gay pop icon RuPaul, celebrated actress Jenifer Lewis, R&B veteran Deneice Williams and neo-soul wunderkind Ledisi.

And if that's not enough, a special reunion of Ralph and her original 'Dreamgirls' co-stars Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holliday will be the ultimate show-stopper.

"I'm so excited about this years Divas and the possibility of Loretta, Jennifer and I all being together again," Ralph told The BV Newswire today ."I was in the audience last month to catch Jen in 'Dreamgirls' at the FOX [Theatre] in Hotlanta, and it brought back such wonderful memories of standing in the wings night after night and listening to what I believed was one of the greatest voices ever."

"I know she'll bring down the Diva house," she added.

As far as there being much-rumored bad blood between her and the 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' Tony Award winner, Ralph attributed it all to Broadway legend.

"The powers that be wanted to created a certain tension on the set, to keep all the drama of 'Dreamgirls' going," she quipped -- adding that any differences that were had between cast members is now "lashes and mascara under the bridge."

Holliday performed at the benefit in its second year.

"You would have to not have blood in your body to not feel the power of this woman on stage singing that song," Ralph said of the Holliday's timeless signature ballad. "I was moved by her every night at the Imperial Theatre."

Over the years, the seasoned stage, television and film actress have become a beacon of hope in the fight against AIDS. This year, Divas Simply Singing, which she founded and produces, establish itself as the longest consecutive running musical AIDS benefit in Los Angeles.

"Every year we are able to bring together the most diverse group of women because I stick to one rule, if your attitude is bigger than your hairstyle, we can't handle you," she quipped.

Divas Simply Singing alum include Whoopi Goldberg, Chaka Khan, Fergie, Oleta Adams, Sharon Stone, Stephanie Mills, Raven Simone, Frenchie Davis, Regina Belle, and Tramaine Hawkins, respectively.

Other divas included in this year's line-up are 'Mama I Want to Sing' star Desiree Coleman-Jackson, renowned violinist Karen Briggs and former Pieces of a Dream member Norwood Young.

"The Divas that come to our stage have big hearts and they share it," she graciously noted.

This year's show will benefit Women Alive Coalition and Balm in Gilead, Ralph said.

"I cannot believe that it has been 17 years and still no cure," she stated. "The rate of HIV infection has never gone down or plateau-ed, it has silently continued to rise, now targeting young people of all colors and classes We must continue to break the silence and stigma that still surrounds this disease."

Official website: www.divassimplysinging.com